martin luther king, and the president called on americans to do the same by helping neighbors in need. around the country an estimated quarter million people did exactly that. blocks from the white house volunteer organizations offered dozens of ways for people to serve their communities, regardless of age. >> this is a good job to give back to those people who need our help. >> you definitely want to give back and have people pay it forward. >> taking satisfaction in giving back to others on this national day of service. and speaking of services, the president takes the official oath of office tomorrow at noon at the white house. brian moore, nbc news, washington. >> hundreds of people in the bay area also spent this national day of service building homes. the volunteers rolled up their sleeves for habitat for humanity. the group helped to build kocons for 36 families. >> these volunteers are building the yard where the families will play. they're actually painting the doors to the homes the families will live in and working on the roofs, putting shingles on. it's a real experience,